13.3.4

Informing and Supporting Government on Climate Change Disaster Risk and Early Warning

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to formalize the University of Thessaly’s role in informing, advising, and supporting local and regional government on matters of climate change–related disaster risk assessment, early warning, and monitoring. The Policy strengthens scientific cooperation and data exchange between the University and public authorities to enhance disaster preparedness and climate resilience.

2. Scope

This Policy applies to all departments, laboratories, and research centers engaged in environmental monitoring, risk modeling, early warning systems, community resilience, and policy advisory activities. It extends to partnerships with municipalities, regional governments, and national agencies.

3. Legal and Institutional Context

This Policy aligns with: Law 4662/2020 (National Civil Protection System); Law 4936/2022 (National Climate Law); Law 4822/2021 (Crisis Preparedness and Climate Adaptation); EU Civil Protection Mechanism (Decision No 1313/2013/EU); EU Green Deal (2021); Sendai Framework (2015–2030); and UN SDGs 11, 13, 17.

4. Policy Statement

The University of Thessaly shall inform and support local and regional governments by providing data, expertise, and capacity-building on climate-related disaster risk management.
2. The University will develop and share climate risk assessments, early warning indicators, technical reports, and training modules.
3. Collaboration will include the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, and regional authorities.
4. Research infrastructure, such as meteorological stations and GIS facilities, will support monitoring.
5. The University shall ensure timely communication of risk data to enable effective disaster management.
6. Joint advisories and post-disaster evaluations will be undertaken with government partners.

5. Implementation and Responsibilities

– The Rector coordinates implementation.
– Departments of Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Planning lead research and advisory work.
– The Laboratory of Climatology, Hydrology, and Environmental Data Analytics provides technical data.
– The Sustainability Committee aligns activities with the University’s climate strategy.

6. Monitoring and Review

The Policy will be reviewed every three (3) years based on the number of joint projects, dissemination of early warning data, and participation in policy advisory forums.

7. Related Documents / References

Law 4662/2020; Law 4936/2022; Law 4822/2021; Decision 1313/2013/EU; EU Green Deal (2021); Sendai Framework (2015–2030); UN SDGs 11, 13, 17.